The series between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks began with a game that will be hard to forget. In an electric atmosphere like the one at Madison Square Garden, the Pacers refused to give up when everything indicated that the win would be a home one.
Tyrese Haliburton tied the game with an agonizing shot, and then in overtime, Indiana completed a historic comeback that left the New York fans speechless. The 138-135 win puts the Pacers ahead and allows them to dream about the Finals.
A Logic-Breaking Comeback
The Knicks were up by 14 points with less than three minutes left in the game. Any team in that scenario would think about closing the game, cooling the ball and taking care of the lead. But Indiana didn't let up. Aaron Nesmith, who had an impeccable night from the three-point line, began to make some accurate shots, while the Knicks got tangled up in the pressure and couldn't find answers.
What looked like a formality for New York turned into a new game when Haliburton, in the midst of a sloppy play and nearly losing control of the ball, regained his rhythm and nailed a hanging shot at the edge of the clock. It was a shot that bounced high off the rim before falling just as time ran out. Although it looked like a three-pointer, the replay showed that he stepped on the line, making it worth two points, the points needed to tie the game.
That dramatic close not only broke logic, it also shattered a seemingly untouchable statistic: teams losing by 14 or more points with less than three minutes left had never won in 970 tries. Until now.
Haliburton and Nesmith, Starring with Character
Tyrese Haliburton was once again the leader Indiana needs in important moments. He finished with 31 points and 11 assists, but beyond the numbers, he made it clear that his confidence never breaks. After tying the game, he celebrated with a gesture reminiscent of Pacers legend Reggie Miller in another historic showdown against the Knicks. Haliburton understood the scenario, the moment and the symbolic weight of winning at Madison.
For his part, Aaron Nesmith had arguably the best game of his career. He poured in 30 points, including eight three-pointers, and scored 20 of those points in the final quarter. It was his accuracy in the final minutes that kept Indiana alive when it seemed all was lost. On a team without big media stars, Nesmith positioned himself as a decisive player with nerves of steel.
The two combined to turn the game around, with the help of a team that never stopped fighting for a single ball. It was that competitive spirit that finally tipped the scales in overtime.
A Madison Full of History AND Frustration
Madison Square Garden experienced a night of intense emotions. The excitement of the New York crowd was enormous. Not only because they were in the East Finals for the first time since 2000, but because they felt they had a team with the energy and character to go far. Jalen Brunson was again the soul of the team, with 43 points, but it was not enough.
The fans, who roared as in the days of Reed or Starks, saw history slip through their fingers. The defeat was hard not only because it was unexpected, but also because it occurred in a context where everything was under control. When the Knicks seemed to have everything locked up, mistakes, losses and lack of execution sunk them. Not even a good game by Karl-Anthony Towns (35 points and 12 rebounds) was enough to sustain the result.
For a team with so much tradition and external pressure, losing in this way can affect more than usual. Now they will have to respond in the second game to prevent the series from tilting completely to Indiana.
Carlisle and Thibodeau, A Duel of Styles
This series also pits two opposite ways of looking at basketball. Tom Thibodeau relies almost blindly on his core team, uses very few rotations and demands a lot on defense. His style can be effective, but it also has the risk of wearing his players out physically in a long series.
Rick Carlisle, on the other hand, has shown a remarkable ability to adapt. In this first game he opted for a more free-flowing offense and a flexible defense. He knew when to let Haliburton take charge, and also when to give space to others like Nesmith. Carlisle's approach allowed Indiana to stay in the game even in tough moments.
It will be interesting to see how this tactical battle evolves. For now, Carlisle took the lead in a series that promises much more excitement.
The most explosive prizes are about to burst. 🧨🧨Chilli Heat, Sweet Bonanza 1000,Brick House Bonanza and more 🧨
➡️ https://t.co/fEE4W22sRJ pic.twitter.com/olIdRoAIZd
- Betcris (@Betcris) May 21, 2025
The Pacers, With A Firm Step And A Winning Memory
This is not the first time Indiana has come back in the playoffs. They did it in the first round against Milwaukee and in the second round against Cleveland. The team seems to have found a formula that combines energy, conviction and moments of individual inspiration. Haliburton is the engine, but they all add up.
Moreover, history seems to be on their side. In 2000, the only time the Pacers reached the NBA Finals, they also beat the Knicks. That precedent, although distant, adds a special spice to this playoffs.
With the victory in Game 1, Indiana did what it had to do: steal a game as a visitor. Now they will play with the peace of mind of having accomplished that goal and with the confidence that comes from winning a game that seemed lost.
The second chapter will be played tomorrow night, and the Knicks will have to prove they can bounce back against an opponent that does not forgive mistakes. From what they have seen so far, the Pacers are not only in the fight: they want to write their own history in these Eastern Finals.
